I was listening to ABBA the other day and "Thank you for the Music" was the song that leaped at me. It struck me immediately that if there was a song I can dedicate to Sally, it would be the one below. I changed a bit of the lyrics so as to customise the meaning for the current situation. But I hope you can still sing to the tune of the song.
The recent Genting concert brought back a lot of memories, some sweet and some rather challenging. But I am glad that Sally is apart of them and her music fills up every corner of my life. I realised that the music is not merely notations on paper transribed to sound but they are real; I could almost touch them with my hands.
Sally, this may not be truly original, but whatever creativity that has been put into it, I give them to you.
I was not a smart kid, in fact I don't even smile
If I try to speak, it is not even worthwhile
But I heard you sing, you opened my heart
The sadness and fear seems to fall apart
Nothing makes me frown
Cos you're the gold of my crown.
Chorus:
So, I say thank you for the music
The songs you're singing
Thanks to all the joy you're bringing
Who could leave without YOU
I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without Sally and songs what are we?
So, I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.
Mother was angry cos Sally is the theme of my talk
She said study now or she'd bring out the lock
But someone I love, helps me to fly
Sally takes me high up to the sky
Like a melody can
Well, I'm so proud, to be your fan!
Chorus
I am so lucky, you give so much of love and care
I want to sing it out to everybody
What a joy, what a life, what a chance!
Chorus
Friday, July 29, 2005
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Make it through the day
Suddenly what has always been clear becomes tinted with shadows of doubt. As long as it doesn't crowd the center and swing the oscillation out of place, minor disturbances are acceptable. After all uncertainties in life are unavoidable.
I was talking with a friend about an indie film ie unreleased in local cinemas. He gave it so much of credits that I can't help but to tell him that the film is not a story but mainly focuses on sensationlism. It is on making a statement which is story telling is never about. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 feet pole. He looked at me blank as if I spoke Greek to him. I wish I did because I certainly love Greek culture.
"There is a story. It is so obvious," he retorted.
I raised an eyebrow and told him, it is not a story because therer is no characterisation. Again he heard Greek from my mouth. To save him the pains of trying to decipher a language of antiquity I asked him one simple question. "Why would a prostitute want to keep an illegitimate child? Knowing very well it would impede her work. "
His intelligent reply was, "But there are so many children born out of such situation. Look at Thailand."
That was when I geared up and said, "But why? Why not abort the child? This is the issue that we must examine deeply in the story. Because we must tell the audience the values of this woman who insist on keeping the child. What are her moral values as a person, more specifically a woman in 1980s, which is 20 years ago. Don't look at her as a prostitute but let's examine her character. You cannot use a child of prostitute mother to senstionalise the story. Then it becomes shallow because you work on assumptions. Never assume anything, even the most obvious."
He thought for a while and began to make sense. "Maybe despite her job, she is human and the maternal part of her urged her to keep the child. She wanted or hoped to produce something good out of her filthy life. Too far fetched?"
"Ah, then the story will take a different turn. This means she wanted something to live for because there is nothing good in her life. This child is like a diamond among glass beads. This is a story about hope. To get to this, we must first establish a lot of things about her character. We can juxtapose it with other prostitutes from the brothel etc. Create events to prove this side of her character."
Our conversation carried on pretty well because despite being a man, he could think like a woman.
I was talking with a friend about an indie film ie unreleased in local cinemas. He gave it so much of credits that I can't help but to tell him that the film is not a story but mainly focuses on sensationlism. It is on making a statement which is story telling is never about. I wouldn't touch it with a 10 feet pole. He looked at me blank as if I spoke Greek to him. I wish I did because I certainly love Greek culture.
"There is a story. It is so obvious," he retorted.
I raised an eyebrow and told him, it is not a story because therer is no characterisation. Again he heard Greek from my mouth. To save him the pains of trying to decipher a language of antiquity I asked him one simple question. "Why would a prostitute want to keep an illegitimate child? Knowing very well it would impede her work. "
His intelligent reply was, "But there are so many children born out of such situation. Look at Thailand."
That was when I geared up and said, "But why? Why not abort the child? This is the issue that we must examine deeply in the story. Because we must tell the audience the values of this woman who insist on keeping the child. What are her moral values as a person, more specifically a woman in 1980s, which is 20 years ago. Don't look at her as a prostitute but let's examine her character. You cannot use a child of prostitute mother to senstionalise the story. Then it becomes shallow because you work on assumptions. Never assume anything, even the most obvious."
He thought for a while and began to make sense. "Maybe despite her job, she is human and the maternal part of her urged her to keep the child. She wanted or hoped to produce something good out of her filthy life. Too far fetched?"
"Ah, then the story will take a different turn. This means she wanted something to live for because there is nothing good in her life. This child is like a diamond among glass beads. This is a story about hope. To get to this, we must first establish a lot of things about her character. We can juxtapose it with other prostitutes from the brothel etc. Create events to prove this side of her character."
Our conversation carried on pretty well because despite being a man, he could think like a woman.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Human, all too human.
A group of working adults got together to visit their University Lecturer. The Lecturer was happy to see them. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.
The Lecturer offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves.
When all the students had a cup in hand with water, the Lecturer spoke: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups."
"Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."
"If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy/taste the water in it."
The Lecturer just smiled and went to the kitchen to get an assortment of cups - some porcelain, some in plastic, some in glass, some plain looking and some looked rather expensive and exquisite.
The Lecturer offered his former students the cups to get drinks for themselves.
When all the students had a cup in hand with water, the Lecturer spoke: "If you noticed, all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal that you only want the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. What all you wanted was water, not the cup, but we unconsciously went for the better cups."
"Just like in life, if Life is Water, then the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold/maintain Life, but the quality of Life doesn't change."
"If we only concentrate on the cup, we won't have time to enjoy/taste the water in it."
Friday, July 08, 2005
what is wrong?
I called my aunt who lives in England yesterday. Everything is fine with her and my uncle and cousin. I checked with my teacher-employer from London, his family is well too. Nevertheless, his place of business is right next to Russell Square Station and I hope no damage is done to persons and property.
My mind being too chatty and busy lately did not inquire for an understanding as to why such devastations would befall mankind. Lives of people going about minding their own business were crushed to unrecognizable pulp. It just proves that human beings did not learn and we are still as primitive as we have been. The only advancement that took place is technologically, which led to building and an amassing of weapons of destruction. Globalization only makes us smaller, weaker and more vulnerable to attacks. It is now so easy to kill, to destroy, to pulverize a country. All it takes is one bomb and logistics is never a hindrance. Stealth planes and submarines evade the radar screens.
Man is heading to destroy but never to unite. We always say that the heart must not rule the head for emotions drown the mind with tears. But don't ever forget the these are the tears that cleanse and soften the hardness of the mind whose logic and reasons deny love and compassion.
Peace cannot be brought about by war and violence. Peace is not a movement of non-violence either. Peace is a balance of mind and heart; of reason and love.
Blessings and love to those who see and to those who are blind. May the divine light shine upon all equally.
My mind being too chatty and busy lately did not inquire for an understanding as to why such devastations would befall mankind. Lives of people going about minding their own business were crushed to unrecognizable pulp. It just proves that human beings did not learn and we are still as primitive as we have been. The only advancement that took place is technologically, which led to building and an amassing of weapons of destruction. Globalization only makes us smaller, weaker and more vulnerable to attacks. It is now so easy to kill, to destroy, to pulverize a country. All it takes is one bomb and logistics is never a hindrance. Stealth planes and submarines evade the radar screens.
Man is heading to destroy but never to unite. We always say that the heart must not rule the head for emotions drown the mind with tears. But don't ever forget the these are the tears that cleanse and soften the hardness of the mind whose logic and reasons deny love and compassion.
Peace cannot be brought about by war and violence. Peace is not a movement of non-violence either. Peace is a balance of mind and heart; of reason and love.
Blessings and love to those who see and to those who are blind. May the divine light shine upon all equally.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
a light unto oneself
I am the truth of all human beings because as I breathe, so do they.
God made the illusion look real and the real an illusion. He concealed the sea and made the foam visible, the wind invisible, and the dust manifest. You see the dust whirling, but how can the dust rise by itself? You see the foam, but not the ocean. Invoke Him with deeds, not words, for deeds are real and will save you in the afterlife.
Rumi, "Mathnawi"
God made the illusion look real and the real an illusion. He concealed the sea and made the foam visible, the wind invisible, and the dust manifest. You see the dust whirling, but how can the dust rise by itself? You see the foam, but not the ocean. Invoke Him with deeds, not words, for deeds are real and will save you in the afterlife.
Rumi, "Mathnawi"
Sunday, July 03, 2005
restless
Again and again a hollow bamboo intrudes my psyche.
But I search not for something to fill the space.
It is not the void I fear;
But the acceptance of void, which unites the whole of Truth.
But I search not for something to fill the space.
It is not the void I fear;
But the acceptance of void, which unites the whole of Truth.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
chained in freedom
Not having freedom should infuriate one's common sense. Compared to a prison inmate, one is obviously free to roam and do what one fancies. In comparison, a worker who earns nine hundred dollars a month can't spend all his money freely because he needs to feed his family and pay rent; while a tycoon whose income hits milllions a month finds ways to discharge cash and to elavate his status in society.
Refugees and child brides rejoice a peaceful stroll in a place called home. Somewhere in a highly-riched society, a college student demands his father to buy him a sports car. On the other side of the globe, a 17 year-old's only dream is to attend school and learn to write her name.
I am not about to conclude that the rich and spoilt do not appreciate the fortune which befall them or those in poverty struck should beg the mercy of powerful nations for help. Rather I am looking at or observing if the disparity between the wealthy and the poor is caused by a basic human necessecity named will.
What is will? What do you understand by it? It is an attitude in doing something, to want something or as a motivation speaker puts it, determination. But if one looks deeper, what is will? It is desire. A desire to own, to buy, to study, to win, to reach a goal, to achieve a dream and to be free. To have the freedom to do what one likes.
In societies where Western philosophy dominates all thinking, everyone speaks of freedom. Every politcal party ensures freedom in a democratic country. Undoubtedly, even in the East, especially far east like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan this influence sinks in and solidifies comfortably.
Nevertheless it is dangerous because uncurtailed freedom leads to degeneration of humanity. The gap between the rich and the poor is wide and those who are in power exploit the weak. Why? In the name of freedom, isn't it? Because the will of man is selfish. The determination so-to-speak only points to you and only you. And it assures you that it is perfectly fine to aim high, to go far, to make money and to fulfill your dreams. The best method is to make enough money in a short time. Pay now and play later. The weak remains weak and the poor gets poorer. Freedom is not a fruit they taste and know how to plant. It is only for the manipulative will of the top dogs.
All this talk about freedom is actually rubbish. Think about it. Why do we need to shout for freedom in the first place? It is because we feel that we are deprived of certain things and something precious has been snacthed from the grip of our hands or we have the desire to want something. In a large scale, one country invades another; in business one company takes over another; in a relationship a girl wins the love of a married man; at home an elder brother bullies his younger sister; in school the strong guy extorts money from the physically challenged and these examples can go on and on. Since young, we are told to guard what is ours and to fight for what we want. Never to let others take them from us. And thus these things become our pride and fear. Pride because they enhance our identity and fear because we can't lose them. So, we device ways to protect them. This does not only pertain to tangible things but also to the intangibles like our freedom of speech, freedom to marry whom we love, freedom of eduction among others.
All these, we have been indoctrinated to believe that they belong to us - belong to me. The I is again emphasied. If these are mine, no one can take them. I have inherent fear that they will be taken from me. Thus, humans make up many things to protect this so-called freedom. Wars, politics, education and status are a small proximity of mechanisms used to make us feel secure.
Don't judge or even analyse. But watch for yourself. See if each and everyone of us is chained by the very thing we call freedom.
Refugees and child brides rejoice a peaceful stroll in a place called home. Somewhere in a highly-riched society, a college student demands his father to buy him a sports car. On the other side of the globe, a 17 year-old's only dream is to attend school and learn to write her name.
I am not about to conclude that the rich and spoilt do not appreciate the fortune which befall them or those in poverty struck should beg the mercy of powerful nations for help. Rather I am looking at or observing if the disparity between the wealthy and the poor is caused by a basic human necessecity named will.
What is will? What do you understand by it? It is an attitude in doing something, to want something or as a motivation speaker puts it, determination. But if one looks deeper, what is will? It is desire. A desire to own, to buy, to study, to win, to reach a goal, to achieve a dream and to be free. To have the freedom to do what one likes.
In societies where Western philosophy dominates all thinking, everyone speaks of freedom. Every politcal party ensures freedom in a democratic country. Undoubtedly, even in the East, especially far east like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan this influence sinks in and solidifies comfortably.
Nevertheless it is dangerous because uncurtailed freedom leads to degeneration of humanity. The gap between the rich and the poor is wide and those who are in power exploit the weak. Why? In the name of freedom, isn't it? Because the will of man is selfish. The determination so-to-speak only points to you and only you. And it assures you that it is perfectly fine to aim high, to go far, to make money and to fulfill your dreams. The best method is to make enough money in a short time. Pay now and play later. The weak remains weak and the poor gets poorer. Freedom is not a fruit they taste and know how to plant. It is only for the manipulative will of the top dogs.
All this talk about freedom is actually rubbish. Think about it. Why do we need to shout for freedom in the first place? It is because we feel that we are deprived of certain things and something precious has been snacthed from the grip of our hands or we have the desire to want something. In a large scale, one country invades another; in business one company takes over another; in a relationship a girl wins the love of a married man; at home an elder brother bullies his younger sister; in school the strong guy extorts money from the physically challenged and these examples can go on and on. Since young, we are told to guard what is ours and to fight for what we want. Never to let others take them from us. And thus these things become our pride and fear. Pride because they enhance our identity and fear because we can't lose them. So, we device ways to protect them. This does not only pertain to tangible things but also to the intangibles like our freedom of speech, freedom to marry whom we love, freedom of eduction among others.
All these, we have been indoctrinated to believe that they belong to us - belong to me. The I is again emphasied. If these are mine, no one can take them. I have inherent fear that they will be taken from me. Thus, humans make up many things to protect this so-called freedom. Wars, politics, education and status are a small proximity of mechanisms used to make us feel secure.
Don't judge or even analyse. But watch for yourself. See if each and everyone of us is chained by the very thing we call freedom.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Muslim Reading
Sever the chains of the ego. Set yourself free and witness the bright essence of your inner being. Discover within your heart the wisdom of a prophet without books, without teachers, and without prudence.
taken from Mevlana Jalal-e-Din Mohammad Mevlavi Balkhi Rumi, "the life and thought of Rumi"
taken from Mevlana Jalal-e-Din Mohammad Mevlavi Balkhi Rumi, "the life and thought of Rumi"
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Same
I am departing from where I started in truth, spirit and righteousness. No longer is there light but restlessness and I question why?
Because I do not see that everything is the same.
Because I do not see that everything is the same.
Silly
The thoughts that haunt the mind come from the past and are projected into the future. What happened in the past accumulates and burdens the mind causing emotions to flare. Something as innocent as a pen on a table triggers the anger and hate for a friend. The mind builds them up by creating juicy visuals like a movie unfolding in a cinema. Such emotions are bodily reactions, which we can feel and they affect us negatively. Upon observation, these thoughts of the past have finished and what the mind imagines to occur in the future have not or will never happen. The unhappy situations involving the friend are over and what lives on are mere memories and a tarnished ego.
Isn't it ridiculous to hang on to previous pains and not only that, there seems to be a need to add more sorrows by continuing them in the future?
Isn't it ridiculous to hang on to previous pains and not only that, there seems to be a need to add more sorrows by continuing them in the future?
Monday, June 20, 2005
Eternal Surrender
It is funny when you are actually aware and not just think that you are aware of how much crap you have accumulated in life. It's like taking drugs. For those who have tried it, I am sure you know what I am on about. Or for those who drink to drown sorrows only to wake up with more pains than before. The things we do to avoid pain, anger, disappointment, sadness, strife, jealousy and sorrows but only to accept it we will never do.
It can't happen to me. I can't be unhappy so when that feeling of sadness or anger comes, we run and more often we blame. It is not my fault. We blame everything from our broken childhood to dominating parents to quota system for the the privileged to inconsiderate work mates to selfish teachers to our useless spouse to the driver next to us and the list is never ending. We spend so much time and effort blaming others only to feed our anger and negative thoughts.
Perhaps, we enjoy being in pain because in this state we feel comfortable. We are accustomed to it and we become numb. It takes a lot of effort to get out of it. Not because there is a better, bigger and sweeter reward when we do. But it is a fact that sinking in pain is unhealthy, almost insane. However looking at the state of humanity it is normal to be insane.
Nevertheless, if you can just step out of this madness and stop popping that pill. What there is is merely short term pleasure and not eternal love. The happiness you feel is temporary and once the situation changes, your entire kingdom of smiles collapses.
The junk we have absorbed is just too much. We move so much. Even when we rest our mind continues to be in neurotic spins. Thoughts from the past charges in to stir our stillness and worries for tomorrow never leave us.
Just be present. Don't think. Don't move. Just be here NOW.
It can't happen to me. I can't be unhappy so when that feeling of sadness or anger comes, we run and more often we blame. It is not my fault. We blame everything from our broken childhood to dominating parents to quota system for the the privileged to inconsiderate work mates to selfish teachers to our useless spouse to the driver next to us and the list is never ending. We spend so much time and effort blaming others only to feed our anger and negative thoughts.
Perhaps, we enjoy being in pain because in this state we feel comfortable. We are accustomed to it and we become numb. It takes a lot of effort to get out of it. Not because there is a better, bigger and sweeter reward when we do. But it is a fact that sinking in pain is unhealthy, almost insane. However looking at the state of humanity it is normal to be insane.
Nevertheless, if you can just step out of this madness and stop popping that pill. What there is is merely short term pleasure and not eternal love. The happiness you feel is temporary and once the situation changes, your entire kingdom of smiles collapses.
The junk we have absorbed is just too much. We move so much. Even when we rest our mind continues to be in neurotic spins. Thoughts from the past charges in to stir our stillness and worries for tomorrow never leave us.
Just be present. Don't think. Don't move. Just be here NOW.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
I am.
It is an under statement. Until I experienced it I do not know. I merely have an idea of, or an identification with inspiring books and poetic quotes. At times of emergency the Being literally surges itself and everything remains as still and peaceful as it is. This is it. It is This. The non-mind is just there, where time does not operate I am "that" dissolves, disappears and I am is just there. Just I am. Not because I think, but I am.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
I chose this because...
How to unite differing opinions? I am perplexed by the majority of people who believe that what they like or prefer is decided by their reason / logic. When are we ever reasonable when it comes to choosing or loving an object? (which includes people as well.) We talk ourselves into believing that we are logical based on past experience, the current situation and conditioning.
Let's take one thing at a time. What is past experience? Probably it is a memory that signals the failures and success we faced and should we find ourselves trapped in an awkard situations, we draw into our memory looking for a solution or guide. The other factors which are working at the same time are the influences in our daily life such as the neighbourhood we grew up in or the type of books we read.
I am sure you can agree that what we experienced and are influenced by the most ridiculous and if not abnormal instances that shape our thinking and logic. Then, how can what we like and dislike be based on reason or logic that is suppose to be flawless? Flawless in sense that what we do is truthful, sincere and righteous.
Actually, what we like or dislike appeals to our five senses - our feelings. Namely what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell. If we are logical no one would be smoking or drinking alcohol and there wouldn't be road rage and a 18 year old brother would not rape his 5 year sister.
Our natural state can be quite brutal. Ever held a gun in your hand? Watch how your heart pounds and thoughts start running wild in your head. Knowing that if you pull the triger and the gun is loaded, the life of a person who is standing in front of you is threatened. Now, imagine the person standing in front of you is your enemy. The person you hate most. Under such circumstances, what would you do?
Of course you may astutely say that you will never pull the triger or even hold a gun in your hand. But watch yourself. What are you doing? You are denying and escaping from the tendencies of the violence in you. Are we logical or merely surpressing our natural feelings that stimulate our senses?
You may think that supression is a logical way out. But think again. Is it logical? It is something that works on our feelings which in the first place is a mixed-bag of mumbo-jumbo. Denial is never a logical but only adds a layer to protecting or hiding the struggling natural state. Sooner or later what is boiling underneath will over flow and explode like a volcano.
Under what circumstances are we near being logical? Almost never. Every decision we make tends to satisfy our perpetually hungry five senses. From choosing which world religion to follow to our favorite singer. (Pun intended.) And even something as simple as what to eat for dinner.
You may think that I am cynical or even sinister. But it is a realisation that I must have and accept and do something about .
Good luck to you.
Let's take one thing at a time. What is past experience? Probably it is a memory that signals the failures and success we faced and should we find ourselves trapped in an awkard situations, we draw into our memory looking for a solution or guide. The other factors which are working at the same time are the influences in our daily life such as the neighbourhood we grew up in or the type of books we read.
I am sure you can agree that what we experienced and are influenced by the most ridiculous and if not abnormal instances that shape our thinking and logic. Then, how can what we like and dislike be based on reason or logic that is suppose to be flawless? Flawless in sense that what we do is truthful, sincere and righteous.
Actually, what we like or dislike appeals to our five senses - our feelings. Namely what we see, hear, taste, touch and smell. If we are logical no one would be smoking or drinking alcohol and there wouldn't be road rage and a 18 year old brother would not rape his 5 year sister.
Our natural state can be quite brutal. Ever held a gun in your hand? Watch how your heart pounds and thoughts start running wild in your head. Knowing that if you pull the triger and the gun is loaded, the life of a person who is standing in front of you is threatened. Now, imagine the person standing in front of you is your enemy. The person you hate most. Under such circumstances, what would you do?
Of course you may astutely say that you will never pull the triger or even hold a gun in your hand. But watch yourself. What are you doing? You are denying and escaping from the tendencies of the violence in you. Are we logical or merely surpressing our natural feelings that stimulate our senses?
You may think that supression is a logical way out. But think again. Is it logical? It is something that works on our feelings which in the first place is a mixed-bag of mumbo-jumbo. Denial is never a logical but only adds a layer to protecting or hiding the struggling natural state. Sooner or later what is boiling underneath will over flow and explode like a volcano.
Under what circumstances are we near being logical? Almost never. Every decision we make tends to satisfy our perpetually hungry five senses. From choosing which world religion to follow to our favorite singer. (Pun intended.) And even something as simple as what to eat for dinner.
You may think that I am cynical or even sinister. But it is a realisation that I must have and accept and do something about .
Good luck to you.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Everyone has problems with everyone
No wonder the youths are running away from the so-called industry experts. Because instead of showing enthusiasm and passion for the subject they wish to teach, they impose on and criticise the learners. More so for being irresponsible, lazy and when they don't think alike; they are out of the field.
Nevertheless, this is true for most if not all situations. Unless this particular group agrees to disagree, then no one is entitled to his or her opinion. Even if they agree to disagree, peace won't come because each participant is selfish. Each has an axe to grind, supported by greed and an urge to personally own the winning prize. Whatever the winning prize may be, from wealth to affection from another.
The bigger problem arises when the participants don't realise it. They don't or shall I say, refuse to acknowledge that they are causing a rift and seperating the group by being selfish and inconsiderate. They blame the rest for exhibiting the same negativity, which they themselves mastermind. Hiding information for personal reasons and being privy to certain information is to gain control over the others; these are some of the things that will inevitably tire or if not infuriate members of the same group.
The "togetherness" is destroyed. I personally hate it. Yes, hate is a strong word to use and I know I shouldn't allow it to bother me. But it does. Recently, one of my closer friends and I went to see a rather respectable martial artist. For simplicity's sake, let's call him Master. Due to some odd reasons, this Master told me that the next time I visit him, he does not wish for my friend to come along. Especially on the following appointment when an expert from China will be around. Master only wants to introduce me to this particular expert, which I found out in the end, he lacks the diplomacy, graciousness and mentality of a true practitioner.
I wonder if Master notices that I am pretty close to my friend and we both share a keen interest in martial arts. But he insisted that my friend does not have the right attitude for it and he is reluctant to teach her and if I mingle with her, he wouldnt teach me too. Finally, he found another student to pass on his skills to. And I am glad.
Because I won't betray my friend. Not for acquiring this skill or anything else. I don't put myself before others but this is no guarantee that others will do the same to me.
Such is life... but no regrets when the heart is true.
Ciao!
Nevertheless, this is true for most if not all situations. Unless this particular group agrees to disagree, then no one is entitled to his or her opinion. Even if they agree to disagree, peace won't come because each participant is selfish. Each has an axe to grind, supported by greed and an urge to personally own the winning prize. Whatever the winning prize may be, from wealth to affection from another.
The bigger problem arises when the participants don't realise it. They don't or shall I say, refuse to acknowledge that they are causing a rift and seperating the group by being selfish and inconsiderate. They blame the rest for exhibiting the same negativity, which they themselves mastermind. Hiding information for personal reasons and being privy to certain information is to gain control over the others; these are some of the things that will inevitably tire or if not infuriate members of the same group.
The "togetherness" is destroyed. I personally hate it. Yes, hate is a strong word to use and I know I shouldn't allow it to bother me. But it does. Recently, one of my closer friends and I went to see a rather respectable martial artist. For simplicity's sake, let's call him Master. Due to some odd reasons, this Master told me that the next time I visit him, he does not wish for my friend to come along. Especially on the following appointment when an expert from China will be around. Master only wants to introduce me to this particular expert, which I found out in the end, he lacks the diplomacy, graciousness and mentality of a true practitioner.
I wonder if Master notices that I am pretty close to my friend and we both share a keen interest in martial arts. But he insisted that my friend does not have the right attitude for it and he is reluctant to teach her and if I mingle with her, he wouldnt teach me too. Finally, he found another student to pass on his skills to. And I am glad.
Because I won't betray my friend. Not for acquiring this skill or anything else. I don't put myself before others but this is no guarantee that others will do the same to me.
Such is life... but no regrets when the heart is true.
Ciao!
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Help in all directions
It is not fair to mention names. There are too many and I don't want to leave out any so, it is wise that I don't even start listing. But the question I want to ask is, should everyone of them be read and known? In fact must there be consumption of written knowledge?
I have a strange suspicion that they are all speaking of the same thing. And in time to come, I will start conversing in the same tone and depth. But is that really transformation or a faking of status? Just because I do certain acts and use certain ornaments.
There are times when I do doubt what I am doing like now, for example.
But I have big dreams.
I just hope that I can handle them when they come true.
I have a strange suspicion that they are all speaking of the same thing. And in time to come, I will start conversing in the same tone and depth. But is that really transformation or a faking of status? Just because I do certain acts and use certain ornaments.
There are times when I do doubt what I am doing like now, for example.
But I have big dreams.
I just hope that I can handle them when they come true.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
Thursday, June 02, 2005
A difference
Everyone is in search of something; from material wealth to spiritual paths. But it is when we stop searching, that which we seek appears and enriches our life. Does this mean we give up our ambitions completely and forgo our dreams?
Not quite but before we pursue further in search of anything, the first step to take is to know ourselves better. Very often we don’t ever stop to evaluate who we are. We don’t go deeper than the superficial reflection in the mirror. Worse still, we deny what we see in the mirror and project a far more superior and perfect image of ourselves. If we don’t spend time and effort to know ourselves, all our endeavors in life will be pointless because we are always clouded by delusions; when we are not sincere but merely follow the crowd. The easiest thing to do is to imitate. The most difficult is to be original and creative.
It is only when you know yourself, then you know what you want. It is not about wanting something, but understanding and executing the meaning behind it. If you go on a frolic of pretending to be someone else all the time, the meaning will not reveal itself to you, no matter how hard you search and how far you go. For you will only be in darkness.
Not quite but before we pursue further in search of anything, the first step to take is to know ourselves better. Very often we don’t ever stop to evaluate who we are. We don’t go deeper than the superficial reflection in the mirror. Worse still, we deny what we see in the mirror and project a far more superior and perfect image of ourselves. If we don’t spend time and effort to know ourselves, all our endeavors in life will be pointless because we are always clouded by delusions; when we are not sincere but merely follow the crowd. The easiest thing to do is to imitate. The most difficult is to be original and creative.
It is only when you know yourself, then you know what you want. It is not about wanting something, but understanding and executing the meaning behind it. If you go on a frolic of pretending to be someone else all the time, the meaning will not reveal itself to you, no matter how hard you search and how far you go. For you will only be in darkness.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Believing in Love
She added just one more, enough to make him drowsy so that it would be easier.
Her heart beat was normal and her hands did not tremble because she was certain after this cup of coffee all will be back to normal.
"What are you doing, Mama?"
She turned and smiled at her son. Those eyes resembled his so much.
"Making Papa a cup of coffee. He likes them black. No milk."
"I want one too. What you make for Papa, I want the same."
Her hand stopped stirring the already foaming coffee. She looked at his tiny frame.
"It wouldn't be necessary. You are small. You will be simple."
Her heart beat was normal and her hands did not tremble because she was certain after this cup of coffee all will be back to normal.
"What are you doing, Mama?"
She turned and smiled at her son. Those eyes resembled his so much.
"Making Papa a cup of coffee. He likes them black. No milk."
"I want one too. What you make for Papa, I want the same."
Her hand stopped stirring the already foaming coffee. She looked at his tiny frame.
"It wouldn't be necessary. You are small. You will be simple."
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Mind vs Heart
Vishvajit,
What happened between you and me can never be explained rationally. It is something, which drives my mind insane and disrupts my life continuously. It is simply unnatural. The problem increases when I try to logically factualise our relationship. No where can I locate a space to capture what we have now. At the pinnacle of it all, I then realise that this is not a matter of the mind but of the heart.
Manisha Savarna
What happened between you and me can never be explained rationally. It is something, which drives my mind insane and disrupts my life continuously. It is simply unnatural. The problem increases when I try to logically factualise our relationship. No where can I locate a space to capture what we have now. At the pinnacle of it all, I then realise that this is not a matter of the mind but of the heart.
Manisha Savarna
The force in you
How lightly a vow is taken. A vow is not a spiritual contract, as many seem to think it is. A vow is an understanding and an actual action taken to transform the mind. This evolution occurs internally. Much has been said about what is internal and what is external. These are not mere words but have a nonlocal and transcendental connotation. When we actually sit down and quietly listen to ourselves and not judge based on environmental conditionings, perhaps this is knowing ourselves internally.
Under such circumstances, we make an honest pact with ourselves. We admit to our faults, shortcomings, attachments, ignorance and for once not justify our mistakes. And then, through this pact or vow a transformation to make connections with the higher-self comes into place.
The force in us is great. We can will many victories and also engage in many failures. But none of these are real. Because our minds actually only register electronic signals and not the object our eyes perceive. What we touch, taste, see, hear and smell are merely an intention to make them real and we know deep down, what we perceive and study as real is consequently a tiny drop of reality.
This vow that we make with ourselves, is an agreement to drop the sheild of rationalism and to go beyond what is empirical and factual. A plunge into the unknown, fearless, deathless, selfless and joyous rim. The force within us which, dances to the tune of nature links once again with the universal one .
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